Houston Astros’ third baseman, Alex Bregman, made a notable return to the lineup against the Boston Red Sox after sitting out five games due to right elbow inflammation. His comeback was marked by a home run in his first at-bat, a promising sign for Astros fans. Bregman, the designated hitter, took the leadoff spot usually occupied by second baseman Jose Altuve, who was resting. Despite Bregman’s performance, the Astros fell short, losing 4-1.
However, the bigger story lies in Bregman’s future role with the team. His return, while encouraging, comes with a caveat—he might spend more time as a designated hitter for the remainder of the season.
A Day-by-Day Approach
In a post-game interview, Alex Bregman expressed caution about his elbow and hinted that his role might remain fluid for the rest of the year. “I feel like the rest of the year is gonna be kind of just a fluid situation,” Bregman said. “I’ll take it day by day and see how it feels every single day, and make a decision as it goes. I threw today for the first time. Arm felt good, didn’t feel any pain or discomfort or anything. But yeah, it’s going to be one of those things I take day-by-day the rest of the year.”
These remarks reflect a measured approach to his recovery. Bregman’s concerns are not entirely new, as he faced a similar situation in 2018. Back then he underwent arthroscopic surgery in January 2019 to remove loose bodies from his right elbow. Although the surgery delayed his spring training, he returned to play 156 games that season, showing his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Consistent Performance Despite Setbacks
Despite missing five games, Bregman’s impact on the field remains significant. As of August 21, he has logged over 1,020 innings in the infield, ranking him 24th in Major League Baseball. His first-inning home run against the Red Sox was his 20th of the season, further solidifying his reputation as a critical player for the Astros. Since the All-Star break, Bregman has been on a hot streak, batting .280 with seven home runs, seven doubles, and an impressive .887 OPS.
While his elbow issue might alter his role on the field, Bregman’s offensive contributions remain undiminished. His ability to perform at a high level despite physical setbacks is a testament to his professionalism and determination.
Managing the Elbow Issue
Bregman revealed that while there’s no structural damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), there are minor issues causing inflammation. “There’s nothing structurally wrong with the UCL, but some little gremlins in there causing some swelling that I’m just gonna have to try and mitigate through the rest of the year and keep the swelling out,” he explained.
Interestingly, Bregman does not experience pain while batting or throwing under normal circumstances. However, specific movements or even sleeping awkwardly can aggravate the condition. This delicate balancing act will likely dictate his role as the Astros push toward the postseason.
Bregman’s health and role will be critical as the Astros continue their playoff push. His performance as a designated hitter might become more frequent as the team navigates the remainder of the season. Regardless of his position on the field, Bregman’s resilience and determination will continue inspiring his teammates and fans.